Blairgowrie Junior FC manager Billy Mackay admits he was taken aback when he found out he’d been chosen to run a leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

The Davie Park side’s boss is one of a clutch of well-known local figures who will be taking part in the Relay ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The iconic sporting symbol will arrive in Blairgowrie and Rattray on Friday, July 4 – the 21st day of its 40-day, 8000-kilometre journey throughout Scotland.

Billy, who runs David Scott Funeral Directors on the town’s High Street, told the Blairie: “When I was sent an email saying I’d been nominated I didn’t believe it – I asked my wife, Margot, to check it to make sure it was genuine.

“I feel privileged to have been chosen. There are so many people in the town who do so much work in an understated way, which often goes unnoticed, so for me to have been chosen is an honour.

“My daughter Michelle nominated me. When she told me she’d done it a couple of weeks ago I was taken aback to be honest with you.”

Billy, a former professional footballer whose career included spells with Rangers and Hearts, was recently honoured for 27 years’ sterling service with the Davie Park club.

Michelle Mackay, a fitness instructor, explained: “I nominated dad because of the work he has carried out with Blairgowrie Juniors for the last 27 years – giving up his time voluntarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturdays, to coach, train and give young men an opportunity to play the sport at Junior level.

“He has passed on his past experiences of playing professionally and his passion for the sport to keep Blairgowrie JFC going. If it wasn’t for his long-term work and commitment the club would not be as strong as it is today.

“All I have known is my dad being involved with Blairgowrie Juniors and I don’t think anyone else in the town could imagine it being any other way. He has been a fantastic role model, not only to the players that have gone through the team, but to people wanting to get involved in any sport which they enjoy.”

Each baton-bearer will be given their individual spell in the spotlight during a 200-metre section of the route.

Billy continued: “I remember watching the torch being carried through various places for the Olympics in 2012 and found the whole thing very inspiring and uplifting.

“The Olympics was compelling viewing and I’m sure the Commonwealth Games will be the same. It’s great that such a large event is coming to Scotland.”

Billy added: “I’ve not been given any other details really – the only thing I’ve had to do is send them my measurements for a tracksuit and estimate how long it will take me to run 200 metres. I’m going to do a little bit of training but I don’t think it’ll be too strenuous.”

David Bailey, chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, said he was looking forward to supporting all the baton-bearers taking part in the Relay.

He said: “It is great that people have been selected as baton-bearers, especially as they have been put forward for the role by their peer groups. It is fantastic for them to be recognised in this way.”

See the back page of today’s edition for a match report from Blairgowrie Junior FC’s 2-1 win over Dundee side East Craigie on Saturday.